When you search for the best rated electric cars, you’re really asking a bigger question: which EVs are actually worth living with every day? Awards and star ratings are helpful, but you also care about range, charging, comfort, and, if you’re shopping used, how that battery has been treated. Let’s connect the dots between the big-name rankings and what will genuinely fit your life and budget.
What “best rated” really means
In this guide, “best rated” isn’t just about one trophy on the hood. We combine independent safety scores, reliability data, expert reviews, and owner-friendly features like range, charging speed, and space to highlight EVs that shine in the real world, especially as used buys.
How We Picked the Best Rated Electric Cars
Before we get into individual models, it helps to know how they landed on this list. Different outlets crown different winners. Consumer Reports calls the Tesla Model Y its best electric vehicle for 2025, while U.S. News splits awards between the Hyundai Ioniq 5 (Best Electric SUV) and Ioniq 6 (Best Electric Car). Kelley Blue Book loves the Ioniq 6 as one of the best electric cars of 2024, and Edmunds names the Tesla Model 3 its Top Rated electric car for 2025. That’s a lot of praise pointed in slightly different directions.
EVs Dominate 2024–2025 Award Lists
To keep things useful, we focused on EVs that consistently score well for safety, reliability (or clear improvement), and expert/owner satisfaction. We also weighted practicality, space, charging speed, and ease of ownership, so you’re not just buying the car reviewers love on a racetrack, but one that makes school runs and road trips easier.
Quick Look: Top Rated Electric Cars by Category
Editor’s Shortlist: Best Rated EVs by Use Case
Use this as a starting point, then read on for details, safety notes, and used-buying tips.
Best Overall Electric SUV
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Balances range, value, charging speed, and family-friendly space. A fixture on "best electric SUV" lists, and a sweet spot as a used buy.
Best Overall Electric Car (Sedan)
Hyundai Ioniq 6
Sleek sedan with excellent efficiency, long range, and top safety scores. A favorite of U.S. News and KBB.
Best Performance Value
Tesla Model 3
Edmunds’ Top Rated electric car for 2025, blending range, performance, and software features that age well.
Best Electric Truck
Ford F-150 Lightning
Award-winning EV pickup that keeps the familiar F-150 feel while adding instant torque and onboard power.
Best 3-Row Family EV
Kia EV9
A roomy three-row SUV with strong safety tech and growing praise from reviewers for comfort and practicality.
Best for Fast-Road-Trip Charging
Tesla Model Y
Consumer Reports’ best electric vehicle for 2025, backed by broad Supercharger access and family-friendly packaging.
Tip for shoppers
Use this shortlist as a map, not the destination. Once you’ve identified a few favorites, dig into how they fit your commute, parking situation, and budget, then compare real used listings with verified battery health.
Best Rated Electric SUVs for 2025
If you’re like most American EV shoppers, you’re looking for an SUV. The best rated electric SUVs pair strong safety scores with generous space and a smooth, quiet drive. Here are the standouts you’ll keep seeing in reviews and awards.
Top Rated Electric SUVs: Snapshot
Key specs for some of the highest rated electric SUVs you’ll see recommended again and again.
| Model | Why It’s Highly Rated | Approx. Max Range | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 | Multiple "Best Electric SUV" and "Best Buy" awards | ~318 mi | Blends value, ultra-fast charging, and roomy interior |
| Tesla Model Y | Consumer Reports’ best electric vehicle for 2025 | ~330+ mi (variant-dependent) | Supercharger access, strong performance |
| Kia EV9 | Top-rated 3-row electric SUV from outlets like Edmunds | ~304 mi | Three-row space, comfort, and tech |
| Ford Mustang Mach-E | Praised by KBB for safety and fun-to-drive character | Up to ~320 mi | Sporty feel, strong safety tech suite |
| Nissan Ariya | High expert ratings and solid reliability trend | Up to ~289 mi | Comfortable, quiet, and approachable for new EV drivers |
Always confirm exact range and equipment by model year and trim, numbers can change with updates.
Two patterns jump out. First, range in this group is generally in the high-200s to 300-plus miles, so daily commuting and weekend trips are no problem. Second, all of these SUVs offer strong active safety tech, lane keeping, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, which makes them easier to live with in traffic and on long drives.
Watch the weight and tires
Top rated EV SUVs are heavy and torquey. That’s part of why they feel so planted, but it also means they can wear through tires and brakes faster than a comparable gas SUV. When you’re comparing used listings, look for recent, high-quality tires and ask about brake service history.
Best Rated Electric Sedans and Hatchbacks
Sedans and compact hatchbacks don’t dominate the sales charts the way SUVs do, but they’re often the best rated electric cars on pure efficiency and driving enjoyment. You get lower weight, sleeker aerodynamics, and often a lower price than an equivalent SUV.
Hyundai Ioniq 6
U.S. News names the Ioniq 6 its Best Electric Car for 2024, and Kelley Blue Book ranks it at the top of its best electric cars list. It combines sleek styling, an efficient shape, and excellent range, over 340 miles in some trims, plus a long warranty that makes it a compelling used purchase a few years down the line.
- Outstanding efficiency and range
- Top safety scores and robust driver aids
- Comfortable highway ride
Tesla Model 3
Edmunds’ Top Rated electric car for 2025, the Model 3 helped set expectations for EV performance and over-the-air software updates. Later models offer strong range (300+ miles in many trims), rapid DC fast charging, and seamless integration with Tesla’s Supercharger network.
- Sharp handling and quick acceleration
- Broad fast-charging access
- Simple, minimalist cabin that ages well if cared for
Beyond those two headliners, don’t overlook the BMW i4 if you want a more traditional luxury feel, or smaller city-friendly EVs like the Chevy Bolt EUV on the used market. They may not grab as many headlines today, but they still score well on efficiency and owner satisfaction.
Safest Electric Cars You Can Buy Right Now
Safety is one area where hard data really matters. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) test EVs alongside gas cars. Several electric models earn top-tier ratings, often helped by their rigid battery structures and extensive driver assistance tech.
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EVs With Standout Safety Credentials
Don’t ignore advanced safety tech
When you’re shopping used, don’t just ask whether a car got 5 stars in crash tests. Ask which advanced safety features it actually has. Adaptive cruise and lane-keeping might be optional on lower trims, even for models with great overall ratings.
Most Reliable Electric Cars According to Data
Reliability rankings for EVs are still evolving as the technology matures, but some names consistently float to the top. Consumer Reports’ 2025 reliability data highlights models like the BMW i4, Nissan Ariya, Lexus RZ, Kia Niro EV, Audi Q4 e-tron, and Hyundai Ioniq 6 as among the most reliable electric vehicles to own.
Most Reliable EVs: Highlights From Consumer Data
Representative examples from Consumer Reports’ EV reliability rankings. Scores vary by model year and trim.
| Model | Reliability Snapshot | What Owners Like |
|---|---|---|
| BMW i4 | Leads many lists with the highest reliability scores among EVs | Classic BMW driving feel, upscale cabin, strong range |
| Nissan Ariya | Better-than-average reliability in early data | Comfortable ride, quiet interior, straightforward controls |
| Hyundai Ioniq 6 | High overall and reliability scores | Excellent efficiency, long warranty, advanced safety tech |
| Kia Niro EV | Solid reliability and value | Compact size, easy to park, practical cargo space |
| Audi Q4 e-tron | Above-average reliability trend for a luxury EV | Premium feel without going full flagship pricing |
Reliability scores reflect survey-based data; newer models may improve or slip as more miles accumulate.
EV reliability in context
Consumer Reports found EVs still have more problems than gas cars overall, but the gap is narrowing as automakers gain experience. Many issues are with infotainment and gadgets, not motors and batteries themselves. A careful test drive and a thorough inspection can weed out the headache cars.
Value and Ownership Cost: Where EVs Really Differ
Two electric cars can share a five-star rating from a reviewer and still feel very different on your wallet. Purchase price, incentives, charging costs, insurance, maintenance, and long-term battery health all add up. This is where some of the best rated models really stand out, or fall behind, once you pencil out the numbers.
Key Value Factors When Comparing Best Rated EVs
Ratings get you in the ballpark; these details decide the winner for your budget.
Purchase Price & Incentives
MSRP and used pricing can vary wildly. A lightly used Ioniq 5 or Model Y can undercut a new compact SUV, especially if you qualify for federal or state EV incentives. Always compare out-the-door costs, not just sticker price.
Charging Speed & Access
An EV with 800-volt architecture (like many Hyundai/Kia models) can charge from 10–80% very quickly on compatible fast chargers. Teslas often win on charging network convenience, especially as more Superchargers open to other brands.
Energy & Maintenance Costs
Electricity is usually cheaper per mile than gasoline, and EVs have fewer moving parts. But heavy, powerful EVs may go through tires quickly. Check your utility’s EV rates and factor in home charging vs. public fast charging.
Battery Health Over Time
Modern EV batteries hold up well, but heat, DC fast charging habits, and high mileage matter. A top rated EV with a heavily degraded pack won’t feel top rated to you. That’s where independent battery health reports become crucial on used cars.
Where Recharged fits in
Every EV sold through Recharged comes with a Recharged Score Report that includes verified battery health, pricing analysis, and expert commentary. That means you’re not guessing how a “best rated” EV has aged, you can see it in black and white before you buy.
How to Choose the Best Rated Electric Car for You
By now you’ve seen plenty of star ratings and award winners. The trick is translating all of that into one car in your driveway that feels like it was built for you. Here’s a simple way to narrow your list without losing your mind, or your Saturday.
6-Step Checklist to Pick Your Best Rated EV
1. Define your daily miles and lifestyle
Start with your real-world needs: daily commute, school runs, weekend trips, and whether you tow or haul. If you rarely exceed 120 miles in a day, nearly any top rated EV has range to spare.
2. Decide on body style first
If you regularly carry kids, dogs, or bulky gear, lean toward SUVs like the Ioniq 5, Model Y, or EV9. If you mostly drive solo or as a couple, a sedan like the Ioniq 6 or Model 3 can save money and energy.
3. Set a realistic budget (new vs. used)
Compare monthly payments, not just sticker prices. A used EV with healthy battery and remaining warranty can be a better experience than stretching for a brand-new one with fewer features.
4. Check safety and reliability for your exact year
Ratings change over time. Confirm crash-test results and reliability scores for the model year you’re considering, not just the latest version reviewers are raving about.
5. Map your charging plan
Do you have access to a home Level 2 charger, or will you rely on public stations? If road trips are frequent and home charging is limited, lean toward brands with faster charging and stronger networks.
6. Get an independent battery health check
On a used EV, this is non-negotiable. A great reputation doesn’t guarantee a great individual car. With Recharged, every vehicle comes with a battery diagnostic baked in; if you’re shopping elsewhere, arrange a separate inspection.
Buying a Top Rated Used EV With Confidence
Most of the EVs on this list make especially smart used buys. EV technology has moved quickly, but the fundamentals of a good car haven’t changed: solid safety scores, reasonable reliability, and a cabin you don’t mind sitting in every day. The good news is that depreciation has hit many early EV adopters already, leaving you with more car for the money, as long as you verify the battery and avoid problem years.
Used EV quick hits
If you’re eyeing a used Ioniq 5/6, Model 3/Y, Mach-E, or EV9, favor cars with documented service records, minimal DC fast charging for daily use, and remaining battery warranty. That’s exactly the sort of history Recharged specialists help you decode.
- Compare a few top rated models side by side on real used pricing, not just reviews.
- Look at at least two different trims of the same model, range, features, and safety gear can differ a lot.
- Have an EV-savvy technician or service do a pre-purchase inspection if you’re buying outside a curated platform.
- Don’t be afraid of higher mileage if the battery tests strong and maintenance is documented.
“The best rated car on paper is just a starting point. The best car for you is the one that fits your life, your budget, and your driveway without drama.”
Best Rated Electric Cars: FAQ
Best Rated Electric Cars – Frequently Asked Questions
The bottom line: the “best rated electric car” isn’t just the one holding the latest trophy. It’s the EV that matches your daily life, offers real-world range and safety, and still feels like a smart purchase when you run the numbers. Use the heavy hitters, Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 and 6, Tesla’s Model 3 and Y, Kia’s EV9, Ford’s F-150 Lightning, and a handful of luxury standouts, as your short list, then zoom in on the exact year, trim, and battery health. And if you’d like someone in your corner while you shop, Recharged is built to help you turn award-winning EVs into confident, real-world purchases.
